Of course! Here is a very detailed, step-by-step guide on how to check your Vanguard version, focusing on the Riot Vanguard anti-cheat software used for games like VALORANT and League of Legends.
How to Check Your Vanguard Version: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you trying to launch your favorite game, VALORANT, but you're getting a perplexing error message about Vanguard? Or maybe you're just a curious user who wants to know more about the anti-cheat software running on your computer. Whatever the reason, knowing how to check your Vanguard version is a crucial step in troubleshooting issues and understanding your system's security.
Ready to dive in? Let's get started with a step-by-step journey to find out exactly what version of Vanguard you have.
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| How To Check Vanguard Version |
Step 1: Engage with Your System Tray - The Easiest Way!
Let's begin with the simplest and most direct method. Are you a gamer who likes to keep things quick and efficient? Then this is the first place you should look! Riot Vanguard has a very user-friendly interface that sits right in your system tray.
Locate the System Tray: Look at the bottom-right corner of your desktop, near the clock and other icons. This is your system tray. You might need to click the small upward-pointing arrow (the "Show hidden icons" arrow) to reveal all the icons.
Find the Vanguard Icon: Look for the Riot Vanguard icon, which is typically a shield-like logo. It might be a red or gray shield, depending on its status.
Right-Click the Icon: Once you've found the icon, simply right-click on it. A small menu will appear.
Check for the Version: In this menu, you might see an option like "Exit Vanguard" or "About." The version information is often displayed right at the bottom of this menu or within an "About" section. While not all versions of the client display the full version number here, you can often see its running status and other basic information.
Step 2: Dive into the File Properties
If the system tray doesn't give you the specific version number, don't worry! We can dig a little deeper into the file properties themselves. This method is a bit more technical, but it provides a definitive answer.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
Sub-heading 2.1: Locate the Vanguard Installation Folder
First, you need to find where Vanguard is installed on your computer.
Open File Explorer: You can do this by clicking the yellow folder icon on your taskbar or by pressing the Windows Key + E on your keyboard.
Navigate to the Program Files: Go to your C: drive (usually labeled "Local Disk (C:)"). Then, open the "Program Files" folder.
Find the Riot Vanguard Folder: Inside the "Program Files" folder, you should see a folder named "Riot Vanguard". Double-click to open it.
Sub-heading 2.2: Check the File Details
Now that you're in the right place, let's find the version.
Find the
vgc.exefile: Inside the "Riot Vanguard" folder, look for an executable file namedvgc.exe. This is a core component of the Vanguard client.Right-Click and Check Properties: Right-click on the
vgc.exefile and select "Properties" from the context menu.Go to the "Details" Tab: In the properties window that pops up, click on the "Details" tab.
Find the Product Version: Under the "Details" tab, you will see a list of file properties. Look for "Product version". This is the exact version number of your Vanguard installation. You will see a number with multiple digits, such as "1.0.0.1234".
Congratulations! You have now successfully found the precise version of Vanguard running on your system. This information is invaluable for troubleshooting any compatibility or performance issues.
Step 3: A Quick Look with the Command Prompt
For those who prefer a command-line approach, you can also use the Command Prompt or PowerShell to find the Vanguard service and its version. This is a great alternative for users who are comfortable with these tools.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press the Windows Key, type
cmd, right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator".List all services: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sc query vgcThis will display information about thevgcservice (Vanguard's core service). While it might not give you the full version number, it can confirm if the service is running and its state.Alternatively, use
Get-Servicein PowerShell: Open PowerShell as an administrator and type:Get-Service -Name vgcThis will also provide you with the status of the service, which is helpful for basic checks.
While these commands don't directly show the full version number like the file properties method, they are a great way to confirm that Vanguard's service is active and running correctly. If you are experiencing issues, checking the service status is a great first diagnostic step.
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
10 Related FAQs: How to...
Here are some quick answers to frequently asked questions about Vanguard.
How to Update Vanguard?
Vanguard is designed to update automatically with the Riot Client and the game itself (VALORANT or League of Legends). When you launch the Riot Client, it will check for updates for both the game and Vanguard and install them automatically. If you're having issues, simply restarting your computer can often trigger the update.
How to Uninstall Vanguard?
You can uninstall Vanguard from your system by going to "Add or remove programs" in Windows Settings. Find "Riot Vanguard" in the list, click on it, and select "Uninstall." You may be prompted to restart your computer to complete the uninstallation.
How to Reinstall Vanguard?
After uninstalling Vanguard, simply launch the Riot Client and try to open VALORANT or League of Legends. The client will detect that Vanguard is missing and prompt you to reinstall it. Follow the on-screen instructions, and you'll be good to go after a system restart.
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
How to Fix "This Build of Vanguard is Out of Compliance" Error?
This error often means your system is not meeting the required security standards. The most common fix is to ensure you have Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 enabled in your computer's BIOS settings. You may also need to update your Windows operating system to the latest version.
How to Enable Secure Boot?
To enable Secure Boot, you need to enter your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings. This is typically done by pressing a key like F2, F10, or Delete right after restarting your computer. Navigate to the "Boot" or "Security" section and find the "Secure Boot" option to enable it. Remember to save and exit the BIOS.
How to Enable TPM 2.0?
Similar to Secure Boot, you need to access your BIOS/UEFI settings. Look for a setting related to "Security Processor" or "TPM" in the security section of your BIOS. Enable it, save your changes, and restart your computer.
How to Run Vanguard as an Administrator?
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
The Vanguard service (vgc.exe) runs automatically as a system service. You don't need to manually run it as an administrator. If you are having issues, you can try running the Riot Client or VALORANT as an administrator.
How to Check if Vanguard is Running?
Look for the Riot Vanguard shield icon in your system tray. If the icon is present, Vanguard is running. You can also check the "Services" app in Windows to see if the "vgc" service is running.
How to Find the Vanguard Log Files?
Vanguard log files are typically located in the %LOCALAPPDATA%\Riot Games\Riot Vanguard folder. You can access this folder by typing %LOCALAPPDATA%\Riot Games in the File Explorer address bar.
How to Stop Vanguard from Running at Startup?
Vanguard is designed to run automatically at startup to ensure system integrity from the moment your computer boots. While you can technically disable the vgc service in the "Services" app, doing so will prevent you from playing any Riot Games that require Vanguard. To play again, you would need to re-enable the service and restart your computer. It is generally not recommended to disable it if you regularly play games like VALORANT.
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